New solar project represents largest at a charter school in the nation's capital

KIPP Douglass Campus. (PRNewsFoto/Volt Energy, LLC)

KIPP Douglass Campus. (PRNewsFoto/Volt Energy, LLC)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Volt Energy announced today that 755 solar panels will be installed at KIPP DC's Douglass Campus located in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C and is the city's most underserved area. Upon completion, KIPP DC will represent the first charter school in the area to be run by a 227 kW solar energy system consisting of both solar carports and rooftop solar.

Under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), KIPP DC will cut its electricity costs by purchasing solar electricity generated at a predetermined lower rate. Over the life of the PPA, KIPP DC's Douglass Campus will eliminate more than 6,664 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the equivalent of planting more than 33,456 trees or taking more than 13,382,400 car miles off the road.

"We are thrilled to partner with Volt Energy to bring solar power to our Douglass Campus. The Power Purchase Agreement will help us keep our energy costs down while allowing us to have a positive impact on the environment," said Alex Shawe, director of real estate, KIPP DC. "Even more exciting is the tremendous example we are setting for our students."

Volt Energy will work closely with KIPP DC staff to enhance the students' STEM based educational learning experience. This will include engaging students through interactive workshops detailing the benefits of renewable energy and discussing career opportunities in the energy sector.

"Volt Energy is proud to support this KIPP DC and the students at the Douglass Campus," said Gilbert G. Campbell III, co-owner, Volt Energy. "We believe this project serves as a catalyst to spark their interest in alternative energy, which is important as these are the very students who will one day be tasked with solving the world's complex energy challenges."

Volt Energy is the developer of the project and selected Green State Power to install the solar system that will be owned by Washington Gas Energy Services. The project is currently under construction and is slated to be completed by September 2013.

About Volt Energy

Volt Energy is one of the largest minority owned renewable energy development firms that builds, operates, and maintains state-of-the-art renewable energy systems for commercial, government, and educational institutions. Volt Energy has been recognized by Black Enterprise Magazine for outstanding achievement as a small business and was nominated for Black Enterprise's 2011 Small Business of The Year award. Volt Energy's notable clients include: Fort Bragg, Wake Forest University, North Carolina A&T University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information, visit www.volt-energy.com.

About KIPP DC

KIPP DC is a network of high-performing, college-preparatory public charter schools in Washington, D.C. All KIPP DC schools are tuition-free, open enrollment schools, and actively recruit and serve students in the city's most under-resourced communities. At KIPP DC, there are no shortcuts. Outstanding educators and staff, more time in school, a rigorous college preparatory-curriculum, and a strong culture of achievement and support help our students make significant academic gains and continue to excel in high school and college. The KIPP DC network currently serves 3,600 students at twelve schools on four campuses in the District of Columbia, and will eventually serve over 5,000 students at thirteen schools by 2017. For more information, visit www.kippdc.org.